I am considering a purchase before I leave for medical school this fall. I have been eyeing a 2000+ MB E320, but most everything in my price range has 70,000-115,000 miles. How do these cars fare with higher miles on them? Could I anticipate frequent problems?

I won't really have the time to deal with frequent mechanical problems, so reliability is fairly important.

I'm still driving the same '94 Camaro from high school, which has almost 200,000 miles on it, so practically any vehicle is an upgrade. I like MB, but if their reliability substantially drops with higher miles I will get something else until I can afford a benz with lower mileage.

JKD

 

My SLK 320 (same drive train) has 100,000mi. and is a daily driver. The car is solid and I change the oil every 8000 miles max rather than the 10,000 miles recommended. Time will tell, but I plan to wear the car out.

 

Very reliable...don't be concerned with 70K+. Need to determine if it was maintained (oil changes) on a regular basis. Most E320 owners are good about maintenance. Think you'll like the car...especially compared to the Camaro.

 

There's a saying "Mercedes performs at its best after 100k miles"

 

I just rolled over 160,000 miles on my '98 E320. It gets incredible gas mileage and comments from everyone who rides in it. I change the oil myself with full synthetic oil every 6000 to 7500 miles. Don't follow the "computer" which tells you to do it at 10K. It is not a true oil life system. Read some of the other posts on that. I have put some money into preventative maintenance, but it's peanuts compared to swallowing a $500 car payment every month. When something wears out, replace it with something of equal or better quality. You won't be disappointed. Also, if you think that your Camaro is fast on the Interstate, think again. My E320 absolutely loves to cruise at about 80-85. Good luck.

 

1998 E320 is a sweet car, I had own one for about 5 years, the only money I had spend on it it´s oil and brake pads, and less than a 100 dollars in small items. Great cars, hopefully MB will start manufacturing great reliable cars some day in the future.

 

When you say price range, what is it? You can pick up a 03-04 E320 for around 25k with under 50k miles. I happen to have an 03 that I picked up for $27k (with 36k miles). High miles are ok, if you can verify proper servicing. Most E class owners take care of thier cars (according to cars.com and CR). Also, high mile cars that you can get history on, will indicate if it is problem proneor not. I love my E320, most enjoyable car I have ever owned. Good luck.

 

03's with under 40 are going for low 20's some in the high teens,cash private party.
steer away from 03-06 w211's in all but a few rare cases they are problems.

recent listing
2003 E320 Mercedes Benz, 31,400 miles, one owner - $21500 obo

ohlord

 

I have a 2003 E320 (W211) with 81K miles ... no electrical problems, no mechanical problems, great paint - had the front-end looked at by MB Dealer and another good suspension tech, and they say there is some normal wear in the bushings, but has a solid front end. I do have an anoying 'pop' which I think I've isolated to the breaks ... not sure of the history on breaks for this car. Otherwise, I love it!

 

Go buy it! No regrets!